Drawing and painting faces—whether human or animal—has always been a profound source of inspiration for me. Faces are endlessly fascinating; they hold the power to tell stories, spark curiosity, and evoke emotion. What could be more alive and captivating than people and animals? Each face, with its unique expression, carries a world of meaning, inviting the viewer to imagine what the subject might have been doing, thinking, or feeling in that moment.

When I create a portrait, I am drawn to expressions that tell a story—moments of happiness, thought, love, cheekiness, or surprise. These fleeting emotions are what bring life and personality to my work. I strive to capture not only what my subject looks like but who they are: their essence, their character, and the unique spark that makes them special. Whether it’s the mischievous glint in the eyes of a playful dog or the quiet introspection on a human face, I look for something that moves me deeply, something that tells me, “This is the story I want to share.”

I’ve always been someone who looks beyond the surface, finding beauty in the subtle details and fleeting moments that connect us all. I love a picture that resonates emotionally, one that draws the viewer in and makes them pause—a piece that reminds us of those little glimpses of truth that reveal our shared humanity and the bonds we have with the animals we cherish.

Through my art, I aim to create portraits that not only honour the subject but also touch the hearts of those who see them, evoking emotions and sparking imagination! To me, this is the magic of art: the ability to capture a moment that feels alive, full of personality, love, and meaning.

Mo is a self-taught artist with a lifelong passion for portraiture, capturing the unique character of her subjects. She began drawing in childhood and wanted to pursue "A" level Art, as encouraged by her art teacher, but parental expectations led her in a different direction. She continued developing her skills independently, nurturing a lasting love for both human and animal portraiture.

Working in soft pastels, pastel pencils, and oils, Mo specialises in pet portraiture, paints wildlife, and is developing her Primate Series, celebrating the beauty and diversity of primates. She continues to take classes with various teachers to refine her sketching and painting skills and expand her artistic range.

Just over 2 years ago, at the age of 55, Mo became a professional artist, dedicating herself fully to her work. In June 2025, her pastel portrait Did Someone Say Treats?, featuring her family dog Bella, was exhibited in the Society of Women Artists 164th Annual Open Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London, her first submission. In May 2025, one of her Primate portraits was featured in ArteFact Magazine promoting the Association of Animal Artists’ Spring Exhibition. As a proud member of the Association of Animal Artists, she regularly exhibits in both York and Shropshire and supports rescue dog charities by donating pet portraits as prizes.

All of Mo’s work is created from her kitchen table. She is currently developing The Bella Boo Collection, capturing Bella’s playful and charming moments, while continuing to create portraits of her children, which brings her great joy. Her work celebrates the personality and expression of both animals and humans, a reminder that it is never too late to pursue a lifelong passion.